The Jacobite Steam Train

Travelling through the beautiful Scottish Highlands, the
Jacobite Steam Train runs 41 miles between Fort William and
Mallaig. Two steam trains operate on this route, this means that
it's the only regular route where two steam trains pass each other
on the national network. The Jacobite Steam Train should be first
on your list when planning Scottish highland railway holidays, the
spectacular views and hardworking steam locomotives are a wonderful
way to appreciate Scotland.

History of the West Highland railway

The Mallaig extension of the West Highland Railway opened in
1901. It opened up parts of remote rural Scotland and the Scottish
Atlantic Coast. In 1967, regular steam services along the line were
withdrawn as part of a modernisation attempt, they were replaced
with more reliable and efficient diesel locomotives. However in
1984, in an effort to promote tourism steam locomotives were
re-introduced along part of the line, it proved so successful that
the service was continued.

In 1995, after the privatization of British Rail, the
responsibility for running the line passed to West Highlander
Trains. The service was re-named 'The Jacobite', after the many
local connections to the Jacobite political movement in the
Highlands. The Jacobite service runs twice a day between June and
August.

The West Highland Line still has jointed tracks, not welded
tracks, so the old fashioned clackity-clack of the wheels is still
heard on the line. Due to the steep gradients of the West Highland
Line powerful steam locomotives are required. The coaches are made
up of first and standard class coaches, they are all ex-British
Railways mark 1s from the 1960s. The beautiful scenery the line
passes through is best appreciated from the open first class
carriages.

Route of the Jacobite Steam train

The West Highland Line covers steep gradients and tight curves,
these provide a great demonstration of the power of the steam
locomotives. The eighty-four mile round trip has been described as
one of the best railway journeys in the world. Beginning near the
tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, and the route passes the
deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar, and the shortest
river in Britain, The River Morar. The journey begins at Britain's
most westerly mainland station, Arisaig, and ends near the deepest
saltwater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis.

A notable stop along the route is the village of Glenfinnan.
This is where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in
1745.

The Hogwarts Express

At King's Cross Station, on platform 9 ¾, the adventures of
arguably the world's most famous wizard began aboard the Hogwarts
Express. The steam train depicted followed the route of the
Jacobite Steam Train. The most memorable part of the journey from
the Harry Potter films is probably the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Built in
1901 by Robert McAlpine, it was one of the first rail viaducts to
be built of concrete. It is also commemorated on the Scottish £10
note, as an example of fine Scottish engineering.

The traditional compartments the children are seen travelling in
during the filming of Harry Potter are not available to book.
However, they are sometimes used for latecomers if the rest of the
train is fully booked.

Rail holidays in Scotland allow you to experience the beauty of
the highlands, coupled with the romance of travelling by steam
locomotive. Great Rail Journeys offer a number of train holidays to
Scotland which include The Jacobite Steam
Train.